DENR to close more establishments by Manila Bay in the coming weeks

Following the order to temporarily close three establishments found to discharge contaminated water to Manila Bay, expect that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will order more closures along Roxas Boulevard in the next few weeks if found to violate environmental laws.

Those involved in the initial crackdown are Aristocrat Restaurant along Roxas Boulevard, Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex, and The Esplanade (a water treatment plant) located at the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City.

According to a report by Inquirer, “tests done on the wastewater of Aristocrat, Gloria Maris and The Esplanade showed that they had failed the standards set for pH levels and presence of suspended solids, oils and grease, as well as fecal coliform.”

The closures mark the beginning of Manila Bay’s “Boracay-like” rehabilitation after Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu called it a “magnified cesspool” last December (READ: Manila Bay, a “magnified cesspool”; to undergo Boracay-like rehab in January). Dubbed as the “Battle for Manila Bay,” the three-year rehabilitation program of the coastline long known for its beautiful sunsets aims to restore it to its former glory. The government allotted P47 billion for the project.

The Laguna Lake Development Authority, together with the DENR, issued the cease-and-desist orders last Jan. 26. According to the DENR, the establishments may still continue to operate but no water will be supplied to them.

They are compelled to apply corrective measures to their violations or face the risk of losing their mayor’s permit and environmental compliance certificate. They will also be slapped with a fine of up to P200,000 a day.

As of writing, various reports say that Aristocrat Restaurant is still open for business.

News reports also revealed that the teams involved found about 120 establishments in Pasay and Manila without sewage treatment plants. Among those closed indefinitely is Manila Zoo, which was considered a major polluter to Manila Bay. The rehabilitation program also plans to relocate 200,000 informal settlers living along Manila Bay some time this year.